Alesis Micron

The Micron is like an Ion packed into a compact 3-octave keyboard for
the "on-the-go" musician. The Micron boasts the same analog modeling
sound engine as the acclaimed Alesis Ion, offering breakthrough analog
realism, high-resolution control, and tremendous value. The Micron is
compatible with Ion programs and holds over 1,000 programs and
multitimbral setups. It's therefor best used as a preset type
synthesizer - either download your own Ion patches or others into the
Micron and take them on the go. Sure the Ion is a hands-on synth
programmer's feast, but the Micron gives you access to the same power as
the Ion in a compact synth ideal for gigging, practicing, composing and
just good old fashion playing around with!

Most obviously, the Micron has done away with just about all the
real-time controllers found on the Ion, offering just three 360-degree
endless parameter knobs, two assignable modulation sliders and one
assignable backlit pitch wheel. Slim pickin's but enough for live
performances (you only have two hands!) or quick tweaks. Sure you can
delve deeper into patch editing and even the extensive twelve-route
modulation matrix (with 114 sources and 78 destinations) but that's
tedious with so few controls.

Despite its rather simple looking design, the Micron does house a beast
inside - full of programmable functions! Just like the Ion, the Micron
offers continuously variable wave shapes, plus osc-sync and FM
synthesis. The Micron has 8-voice polyphony with three oscillators per
voice, and is up to 8-part multitimbral. There are two multimode filters with
20 filter types (upgraded from 16 in the Ion), three envelope generators and
two LFOs with multiple wave shapes and sample & hold. In addition to its
powerful modulation matrix, the Micron offers a programmable step
sequencer, an arpeggiator, a rhythm sequencer for drum kits, and a
dynamic realtime phrase sequencer - all of which sync to MIDI clock.
Effects include a 40 band vocoder that does not use up any polyphony, 4
insert effects, and stereo master effects. Stereo inputs let you process
external audio through its effects, filters and vocoder - just as you can with the
Ion.

So, if twiddling knobs all day is not your thing, but the sounds that come
from such efforts are what you are looking for then the Micron may be the synth
for you! Instant access to thousands of incredibly realistic analog synth sounds
with all the power and programmability of the Ion. The Micron offers all that and more
but for less money because of its minimalist design/interface.

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